NORFOLK — With crimes against seniors on the rise, Norfolk Sheriff Joe Baron is aiming to connect seniors with services to keep them safe and healthy by hosting a “Senior Fest” at Norfolk Scope on Sept. 25.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the Senior Services Support Seminar, residents ages 55 and older can learn about resources from more than 70 vendors, while enjoying live entertainment and free lunch.
Seniors can register to get a ticket now by going online to Norfolk-Sheriff.com.
Registration ends on Sept. 17.
“At the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to taking care of our seniors. Our seniors are a kind, trusting generation, and unfortunately, con artists try to exploit these traits with new scams and technologies,” Baron said. “We are stepping up to provide a solution. Our senior fest provides all the resources seniors might need, with vetted, trusted vendors.”
Senior Fest is designed to showcase a wide variety community resources – from free health screenings, cost savings, and job opportunities to joining social groups.
“As seniors become older, they become less mobile. This is a one stop shop for anything they could need,” Lt. Meryah Breeden said.
At the event, Dominion Power representatives will talk about ways seniors can reduce their monthly bills, AARP will provide information about jobs, and Hampton Roads Transit will talk about ways for seniors to get around, according to the sheriff’s office.
Medical professionals will offer free flu shots, A1C tests, blood pressure checks, and hearing and eye testing. There will be Realtors who specialize in helping seniors sell their homes and downsize. Groups like Primeplus Senior Center and the Chrysler Museum will outline upcoming wellness and social events.
The event comes as the senior population continues to grow.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, the senior population in the United States is expected to double in size by 2050 to 83.7 million. Low social support has been found to significantly increase the risk of mistreatment and abuse of seniors.
This year’s Senior Fest is the second annual Sheriff Joe Baron Foundation Senior Support Services Seminar. At last year’s inaugural event, more than 500 seniors attended with 65 vendors.
This year, there are more than 700 tickets available for seniors to attend.
